On June 25, the Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) convened nearly 150 attendees including policymakers, non-profit leaders, media, and researchers on Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of federal education research and development (R&D). The event served as the official release of ALI’s Blueprint for the Future of the Federal Role in K-12 Education R&D, released in partnership with InnovateEDU and Learning Systems Leadership Network, showcasing tangible policy recommendations for a more nimble and effective education R&D infrastructure. This infrastructure is key to addressing significant challenges impacting students and teachers across the country including declining literacy rates, chronic absenteeism, and the responsible use of new generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. A full recording of the event can be viewed here.
In his opening remarks, Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25) emphasized the need to increase investment in federal education R&D. He argued: “If we want to be a leading innovator on the world stage, we need to invest in education. This [investment] needs to start, not only in higher education, but in Pre-K.” This emphasis on accelerated innovation, Rep. Morelle noted, is critical to ensuring all students have access to evidence-based tools that are tailored to their unique needs.
Following Representative Morelle’s remarks, ALI brought together two cross-sector and bipartisan panels to discuss the key components of a strong education R&D infrastructure, and the steps leaders must take to implement research-backed tools and practices.
Stemming directly from the Blueprint’s policy recommendations, key themes from both panels included:
1. Collect and Analyze Meaningful Data. Innovative learning models cannot be developed without a robust and up-to-date data infrastructure. The ability to identify student needs in real time depends on collecting high-quality, actionable data. This includes data on both literacy and math instruction, areas in which Mary Beck noted a need for increased prioritization at the secondary level. Furthermore, improvements, highlights, and successful outcomes in education across U.S. states and districts cannot be fully understood or scaled without sufficient data. Erin Mote was direct in her call to action: “Modernize the data infrastructure. This needs to be done now, and it takes investment. We need to connect with the private sector and bring in modern devices including AI to keep this up to date.”
2. Empower State and Local Leaders. Elevating state and local leaders’ voices is essential for translating research into meaningful and practical solutions. Chibuzo Ezeigbo noted that in the beginning stages of research, it is fundamental for “researchers to build relationships outside of research projects; it’s not just about getting the data, but this is really about building effective partnerships.” Dr. Suzanne Lacey echoed this idea during her panel, detailing the critical role of collaboration in bringing evidence-based strategies to life. Dr. Lacey noted, “Our partnership with Digital Promise has truly been a game changer for our school district for the past ten years. At the local school level, my work every day is often in the weeds. But when you have valuable [research and development] partners and you have a relationship with those individuals then it brings research and development to your level. ” Steve Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department Education and Workforce, then broadened the discussion to scalability, asking: “How do we take these seemingly miraculous events and transfer them to scale?” The path forward begins with a strategic focus on collaborative, partnership-based research to identify proven practices and then adapt them across diverse learning environments at scale.
3. Invest in Research and Innovation. Panelists highlighted several examples of the successful implementation of innovative practices resulting from targeted investments in education R&D. These examples include a dual-enrollment program launched in rural eastern Oregon supported by researchers at the Joyce Foundation, and the federally funded AI-driven Speech Pathologist program to improve screening processes for language and speech disorders experienced by children established at the University of Buffalo. Mike Petrilli, President of the Fordham Institute identified increased literacy scores in Mississippi bolstered by the Science of Reading movement as the perfect example of successful Ed R&D: “The science itself was a result of decades of investment by NIH; and how do we know about the Mississippi Miracle? It’s because of the National Assessment of Educational Progress.”
4. Prepare the Future Workforce. Building a responsive, future-ready education R&D system requires anticipating the needs of an AI-driven workforce— an effort that hinges on bold federal leadership. Auditi Chakravarty emphasized the importance of this responsibility, urging public sector leaders to “meet the moment that the AI economy not only needs but demands.” As policymakers approach innovations in curriculum design, educator preparation, and the experiences of students in classrooms across the country, it is essential to center the skills and knowledge students will need to thrive in the critical careers and workforce sectors of the future.
While attendees celebrated the successes of ED R&D over the past few years, Sara Schapiro noted that these examples are still rare. She called for a stronger commitment to identifying, developing, and scaling evidence-based practices that benefit all learners. As the briefing wrapped, Sara emphasized, “In addition to investing in research, innovation, data, the federal government is in a unique position to spotlight bright spots [in education R&D], showcasing what is working, and helping other districts, states, and schools do the same.”
The briefing marks a starting point for ALI’s work to further this vision for the future of education R&D. In the months ahead, ALI will work with members of the coalition and the Future of Federal Education R&D Task Force to bolster the blueprint’s recommendations and collaborate with education policymakers on implementing shared priorities.
For more information about ALI’s Blueprint for the Future of Federal Education R&D, visit www.alicoalition.org/future.
ALI conducts advocacy work thanks to financial support from the Walton Education Coalition (WEC).
